Scotland Women won’t take Belarus lightly

RICHARD PAYNE

Hibs defender Kirsty Smith insists Scotland Women cannot afford to take any of their opponents lightly if they are to finally realise their dream of qualification for a major finals.

Anna Signeul’s side embark on the first home match of their UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 campaign when they host Belarus at Fir Park, Motherwell this evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Scotland are currently 31 places above tonight’s opponents in the world rankings and are red-hot favourites to claim all three points to build upon their 3-0 victory over Slovenia last month.

After play-off heartache in their last two EURO qualification campaigns Scotland are determined to take the final step and take their place amongst football’s leading nations.

“They will come and try to frustrate us so we will need to be patient,” said Smith. “We cannot afford to go gung-ho and leave ourselves open to a counter-attack. Winning in Slovenia has given us a platform and we want to build on that with the ultimate aim of qualification.”